How can I learn to be a property manager for free?

Question

Hello! I'm an ambitious 18 year old with some experience in real estate from wholesaling and having family that is successful in real estate, mainly hotels/motels. I want to make my own way through real estate so I plan to do that by building my savings through a property management job but I don't know where to get started without buying an expensive course. How can I learn how to do the daily functions of a property manager such as budgeting, record-keeping, tenant management, leasing, marketing, etc. There are many jobs open near me that are mostly multifamily properties or apartment complexes. What will an interviewer or landlord require of me?

Scott Nachitilo · Answer

You don’t need an expensive course to learn property management.

The best way to learn is on the job. Apply for entry-level roles like leasing agent, assistant property manager, or onsite manager, especially at multifamily or apartment communities. These positions teach you day-to-day operations such as leasing, tenant communication, rent collection, budgeting basics, and maintenance coordination.

To learn for free or low cost:

• Read state landlord–tenant laws and fair housing rules (important)
• Follow reputable industry resources like BiggerPockets and property management blogs
• Use free demos or tutorials from property management software companies to understand systems
• Learn basic accounting and record-keeping

Read state landlord–tenant laws and fair housing rules (important)

Follow reputable industry resources like BiggerPockets and property management blogs

Use free demos or tutorials from property management software companies to understand systems

Learn basic accounting and record-keeping

Most interviewers won’t expect you to know everything at 18. They’ll look for:

• Reliability and professionalism
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Willingness to learn
• Basic organization and computer skills

Reliability and professionalism

Good communication and customer service skills

Willingness to learn

Basic organization and computer skills

If you show that you understand the responsibility of managing other people’s assets and tenants fairly, that goes a long way. Starting in multifamily is one of the best foundations if you plan to own or manage property long-term.

Bryce Jamison · Answer

To actually become a property manager in Nevada you'll have to get your real estate license then a property management permit.

You can learn how to be a property manager for free. YouTube is probably full of great content on budgeting and all the other functions you listed. Most management software offers free trials you can play with too. You'll ultimately need experience though.

Working at one of the jobs you're looking at is a fantastic way to get experience. Being younger, it's more about your attitude than knowledge when you go to interview. If you're humble, professional, and demonstrate your passion for this industry someone will take a chance on you. You can get crazy and offer to show them your passion to join their team by offering to work for a week or 2 for free, or offering to empty all the dog poo baskets in addition to your job.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

I hired a part time assistant 5 years ago to assist me with everyday transactions and take some of my workload. Over the years she has worked in every position in the company and is now the operations manager. People will pay you to learn... I paid her to learn all of the roles.

Janice Carter · Answer

Great advice from Scott.

Ronin Duplex · Answer

That clears it up very well, thank you very much for the advice Mr. Nachitilo.

How can I learn to be a property manager for free?

How can I learn to be a property manager for free?

Most Popular Reply

5 Replies